CVE-2024-37443 in WP Job Manager Plugin
Summary
by MITRE • 11/01/2024
Missing Authorization vulnerability in Automattic WP Job Manager - Resume Manager allows Exploiting Incorrectly Configured Access Control Security Levels.This issue affects WP Job Manager - Resume Manager: from n/a through 2.1.0.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 11/01/2024
The CVE-2024-37443 vulnerability represents a critical missing authorization flaw within the Automattic WP Job Manager - Resume Manager plugin, specifically impacting versions ranging from the initial release through 2.1.0. This security weakness stems from incorrectly configured access control security levels that permit unauthorized users to bypass intended permission checks. The vulnerability exists within the plugin's core authorization mechanisms, where proper validation of user roles and capabilities fails to occur before granting access to sensitive resume management functionalities. Such misconfigurations create an attack surface where malicious actors can exploit the absence of proper access control validation to gain unauthorized access to resume data and associated management features.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability manifests through insufficient input validation and access control checks within the plugin's codebase. When users attempt to access resume-related functionalities, the system fails to properly verify whether the requesting user possesses adequate privileges to perform the requested operations. This flaw typically occurs in scenarios where the plugin relies on WordPress's built-in capability checks but fails to implement proper authorization verification. The vulnerability can be exploited through direct API calls or by manipulating user permissions, allowing attackers to access resume submissions, edit resume data, or perform administrative actions without proper authentication. According to CWE standards, this corresponds to CWE-285: Improper Authorization, which classifies the issue as a fundamental access control weakness that permits unauthorized access to protected resources.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple unauthorized access, as it can lead to significant data exposure and potential compromise of user privacy. Attackers can exploit this weakness to view, modify, or delete resume submissions from other users, potentially accessing sensitive personal information including work history, contact details, and professional credentials. The vulnerability affects not only individual user data but also creates potential risks for employers who rely on the platform for job candidate management. This misconfiguration can result in data breaches, compliance violations, and reputational damage for organizations using the affected plugin. The impact is particularly severe in environments where job seekers and employers trust the platform with confidential professional information, as the vulnerability undermines the fundamental security assumptions of the system.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2024-37443 should focus on immediate plugin updates to versions that address the authorization flaw, as well as implementing additional security controls. Organizations should ensure that all instances of the WP Job Manager - Resume Manager plugin are updated to the latest secure version that resolves the access control issues. System administrators should also conduct thorough access control reviews to verify that user permissions are properly configured and that appropriate capability checks are enforced. The implementation of additional security measures such as role-based access controls, regular security audits, and monitoring of unauthorized access attempts can help detect and prevent exploitation of similar vulnerabilities. From an ATT&CK framework perspective, this vulnerability aligns with T1078 Valid Accounts and T1566 Phishing techniques, as attackers may leverage compromised accounts or exploit the authorization bypass to gain access to sensitive data. Security teams should also consider implementing web application firewalls and access control logging to monitor for suspicious activities related to resume management functions.